Petroleum Exploration Licence applications frozen

The NSW Government has frozen new Petroleum Exploration Licence Applications (PELAs) until 26 September 2014 to help establish a more comprehensive process. To explore for Coal Seam Gas, a proponent must apply for a Petroleum Exploration Licence.

Staff working on coal seam gas site

The government will also audit existing Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs).

Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts said the government had already refused five PELAs lodged by Grainger Energy which covered 43,100 square kilometres of the Riverina.

“Grainger Energy has one owner/director, was formed just six days prior to lodging its application, has no history of conducting petroleum exploration activities and has submitted a manifestly deficient application,” he said.

“We have also issued a ‘Show Cause’ notice to Leichhardt Resources as to why its three PELs near Moree, across Nowra and between Bylong and Denham, should not be cancelled.”

Mr Roberts said under the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, a petroleum title may be cancelled on a number of grounds, including contravention of conditions, failure to use the title area in good faith for the purpose for which the title was granted and for contraventions of the Act.

“The NSW Government will not rule out rejecting further PELAs or cancelling PELs,” he said.